Berkeley/Charleston/Dorchester See 2030

THE CLOCK IS TICKING.

     Over the next 21 years, 265,000 new residents and 186,000 new jobs will be added to the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester region.
     In December 2007, 150 leaders from the BCD region took part in the morning regional planning exercise, the Reality Check "game"-held at the Complex for Economic Development at Trident Technical College. About 250 people participated in the wireless instant survey afterward, providing more input on the morning’s discussions. The focus was on fostering a productive regional dialogue, with trained facilitators moving the discussion forward on neutral lines and ensuring that all voices were heard.
     Though the Reality Check “event” is over, Reality Check is far from over. The process of moving this region toward a shared vision for 2030 is just beginning. The results of the Reality Check has culminated in the formation of See 2030 -- a quality growth alliance. Throughout 2009, See 2030 will continue its outreach and educational efforts to help stakeholders understand growth issues, best practices and the importance of regional visioning and coordination.

The following are the six guiding principles agreed upon at the Reality Check  game by the more than 250 participants

1) Preserve natural resources and cultural assets
2) Develop live, work, play communities
3) Promote interconnected transportation system with multi-modal options
4) Promote urban infill and redevelopment
5) Provide more affordable and workforce housing options
6) Encourage higher density development along existing corridors


Goals of See 2030:

1) Support quality growth in the region
2) Support BCD COG’s regional land use and planning efforts [ourregionourplan.org]
3) Enhance regional collaboration
4) Organize and train regional leaders
5) Provide educational support to guide regional efforts
6) Provide technical assistance to address key issues and opportunities facing the region

Our first steering committee meeting took place on September 17, 2008. Stay tuned for South Carolina’s Reality Check video!

Visit http://www.ourregionourplan.org/ and http://www.bcdcog.com for more information

A Post & Courier Editorial by Tom Hund, ULI South Carolina's Chair